1840-D $5 Small D MS61 NGC. Variety 4-C, ...

Description

1840-D Half Eagle, MS61Very Scarce Small D, Variety 4-C

1840-D $5 Small D MS61 NGC. Variety 4-C, "very scarce"
according to Doug Winter's new third edition (2013) of the
Dahlonega reference. The mintmark is squat, shorter than on the
Tall D variety, and the upright of the D is directly above the gap
in the top of the V in FIVE. This piece shows the die break that
most exhibit running from the fletchings through the inside curve
of the D and the right side of the V to the dentils. The first
three digits of the date were first punched too far right, then
correct, and this coin boldly shows the remaining underdigits.

The 1840-D half eagle issue is important, as the design was
modified slightly, and it is the first Dahlonega issue with
mintmark moved to the reverse (it is on the obverse of the 1838-D
and 1839-D). The present MS61 example would be at the lower end of
the Condition Census that Winter presents, tied with an MS61 PCGS
piece from the Auraria Collection. This coin offers far greater eye
appeal than the grade might imply, the antique-gold surfaces
showing great original "crust" despite a few small marks and luster
grazes. Wispy die cracks run from the front of the forehead toward
the rim, and from the rear of the hairbun through star 10 to the
rim. NGC's Census for both varieties shows six in MS61 with four in
MS62 and one in MS63, but duplications are almost certain, and most
of those pieces are likely the more-common Large D, Variety 3-C
(11/13).From The Ole Miner's Collection. (PCGS# 8199)

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